"Clever glasses" with variable transparency: advantages and disadvantages

The use of traditional glass in interior design is still not out of fashion. Practical and profitable, from the point of view of exploitation, the material has a unique combination of characteristics, which determine its relevance. It is enough to note transparency and light transmission capacity. In recent years, interest in electrochromic products has increased. These are "smart glasses", to the peculiarities of which the possibility of changing transparency is relevant. But this quality of the property of this material is not limited. In practice, users also emphasize increased energy-saving qualities, strength and aesthetic appearance.

What is special about smart glasses?

The original technical and operational qualities of such glasses are determined by the structure of the material. In essence, it is formed by composites representing several layers, including transparent and opaque layers. To the end user this product is also known as the Smart Window glazing, which allows to change the degree of transparency due to the liquid crystal interlayer. In this film there are special crystals that work from the power grid. The usual mode of operation assumes a chaotic order of the organization of these elements - at visual inspection it is possible to note the dullness of the surface.

The supply of electric current organizes the crystals so that the structure begins to become transparent. The ability to transmit sunlight, as a rule, remains independent of the power supply. A standard window glass of this type allows up to 80% even in a matt state.

Manufacturing technology

The production of glass with the possibility of adjusting the transparency is carried out using triplex technology. That is, initially, several sheets of material are being prepared, which will form the basis of the product in the future. In this case, the base layers can be represented by both ordinary glass and polycarbonate. From the fact in what combination the layout of layers with different characteristics was made, the operational qualities depend on which in future will be given "smart glasses" in one or another modification. Most often, the material variations differ in the type of lamination coatings used. Thus, there are modifications with ethylene vinyl acetate and polyvinyl butyral film. Also, especially for harsh operating conditions, manufacturers produce products with a protective coating based on thermoplastic polyurethane.

The Advantages of Smart Glasses

Smart glass can be attributed to multifunctional structures or even individual elements of the interior, which perform several tasks. Of course, the main one is to provide a partition with a few functions. As practice shows, "smart glasses" reduce heat loss, while minimizing the cost of air conditioning. If we take into account the natural light-transmitting property, we can also speak about reducing the costs of providing artificial light. Similar problems are solved by ordinary glass, but in this case we are talking about a broader functional. In particular, panels can act as an alternative to curtains, shading screens or blinds. Being in a transparent state, this glass does not allow ultraviolet rays into the room, which contributes to the creation of a healthy microclimate.

disadvantages

Unfortunately, there are many disadvantages to such glasses. First of all, this is a high cost, due to the complexity of manufacturing technology. Also, despite several energy-saving factors, one of the main differences between smart panels is the need for using electrical voltage. Actually, due to this, the user is able to quickly switch between the operating modes of the panel. In most modifications, "smart glass" with adjustable transparency makes it possible to use the opalescence state, that is, clouding. But, for this you have to pay electricity costs, albeit small compared to the same climate equipment. Moreover, there are models of such glasses that do not require power from the mains.

Where are smart glasses used?

Attractive externally and practical by their technical qualities the partitions are especially appreciated in the arrangement of office premises. Such objects are the most common place for using glass with variable transparency. In a typical home environment, such panels can also act as a reliable and aesthetic barrier, but they may have other tasks. For example, matte "smart glass" in the apartment can serve as a screen for the projector, with a high degree of clarity conveying the color of the transmitted image. This material is also used wherever a classical triplex was used. This applies to salons, banks, exhibition halls and studios, in which increased requirements for mechanical protection are imposed on the partitions. Special modifications are endowed with shockproof qualities, and in some designs can provide a barrier in front of a firearm.

How much is smart glass?

The technology is quite popular in Europe, but the domestic market in this segment is still being formed. Accordingly, there are not so many professional manufacturers guaranteeing the quality of the product. In the initial class, the price of glasses with adjustable transparency is about 20-25 thousand rubles. For 5 m ² . This means that for such a sum the company will perform glazing with a material of 5 m ² . The average volume of orders is usually calculated at 10-20 m ² , while the thickness of the glass can also vary depending on the working area.

The cheapest option is 4 mm glass without special coatings - these are so-called raw single-chamber packages. The most profitable, from the point of view of operation, is represented by hardened panels. The average price of glasses in this version is already about 60 thousand in calculation for the design of 10 m ² .

Conclusion

For modern designers and designers of interior objects, there are practically no obstacles in creating strong, easy-to-use and functional partitions. But, taking as a basis a high-strength triplex, the technologist can supplement it with the stylistic properties that window glass in the classical view possesses. In particular, we are talking about light transmission capacity and transparency. At one time, a combination of these qualities of the consumer was surprised by some modifications of the triplex. As for the new material, it allows not only to combine conflicting operational properties, but also to regulate them in accordance with specific requirements for design.